Why would they install new crossing signals at an old crossing and put the words exempt on it?

Question

They were widening this particular street one time and on this street is a rr crossing that appears to not have any more trains pass through on it. I believe it is tracks that may go to warehouses. The old signals used to have the sign exempt on it. Yet they installed a new signal system complete with the arms and cantilevers only to put the exempt sign on it also.

Answer 1

The grump is exactly right.

Traffic movement studies are done to determine whether or not a crossing qualifies as 'exempt', depending on the frequency the tracks are used, necessary if there is access to that track.  If the switch has been removed, then the track is considered 'abandoned'.

The fact that these were old tracks falls right in to line.  But, I'd be willing to bet the warehouses or other shippers that is serviced by the line is about to reopen with renewed rail service, which has prompted the upgrade to the crossing protection.

Answer 2

The only reason is that maybe someone is deaf and they are driving slow across the tracks and they don't see the train until it is on top of them. They did this for safety reasons. Bad in 1995 there was a bad Metra accident in Fox River Grove, IL at the crossing with high school students. After the accident all crossings were upgraded and the all have signals and gates. And in FRG they are required to go no more than 35 MPH so they can stop very quickly if they have to.

Answer 3

The exempt simply means that school busses and hazardous materials tankers don't have to stop for the tracks.